Building Heroes Education Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a three-year Sponsoring Partnership with The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust.

This partnership marks a new chapter in a longstanding relationship dedicated to supporting Armed Forces Service Leavers, Veterans and Reservists into rewarding civilian careers.

The Worshipful Company of Constructors has stood beside Building Heroes for many years through donations, advocacy and continuous support. This formal Academy Sponsorship now deepens that commitment, providing the financial security to underpin the charity’s longest-running academy at Reaseheath College and University Centre in Cheshire, and ensuring the continuation of vital skills training for the military community in the North West.

This sponsorship will enable Building Heroes to sustain and grow its Reaseheath Construction Skills Academy, giving Service Leavers, Veterans and the wider military community access to high-quality training, practical skills development, industry exposure and tailored employability support, and crucially, the confidence to build successful second careers in the construction and built environment sector.

A Strengthened Partnership with Impact at Its Core

The Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust is one of the City of London’s historic Livery organisations. This partnership between Building Heroes and the Constructors Charitable Trust perfectly aligns with the Trust’s primary remit: ‘support the advancement of education, training and research in the Construction Industry’, making it an ideal partnership.

Building Heroes, a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Social Mobility, 2022), has trained more than 4,200 members of the Armed Forces community since its formation in 2014. Over 48% progress directly into employment, self-employment or further qualifications within the construction sector.

This sponsorship will ensure that continued impact, while strengthening pathways into industry across the region.

Supporting Transition, Strengthening Industry

Graduates from Reaseheath have gone on to join major contractors, SMEs, social enterprises and housing associations, working in trades, construction management, property maintenance, utilities and infrastructure. Many have gained the confidence to launch their own businesses.

Through the Worshipful Company of Constructors and its professional network, cohorts will also have the opportunity to gain industry expertise, professional mentorship, and direct insight into the sector’s evolving opportunities.

Doug Barrat, Deputy Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust, said: “The Constructors Company, through its Charitable Trust, feels that this represents a significant step change in our relationship with Building Heroes. A permanent base for craft and skills training in the construction industry for those leaving the Armed Forces has been an ambition for several years. Now established at Reaseheath in a new bespoke building, this excellent year-round training facility is the culmination of outstanding planning and hard work.”

Chris Charles, CEO of Building Heroes, commented: “This sponsorship demonstrates an extraordinary commitment, and to have a historic and respected Livery Company take such a purposeful step in support of our mission is something we value enormously. Their investment will safeguard our provision at Reaseheath, ensuring that hundreds more members of our Armed Forces family can build meaningful post-service careers, while also contributing directly to the skills needs of the construction and wider built-environment sectors.

We look forward not only to delivering training but to opening doors, through the Company’s membership, networks and influence, that inspire our cohorts to explore every pathway the industry has to offer.”

Quote from Reaseheath College:

Andy Gould, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction at Reaseheath, said: “We’ve been working with Building Heroes for over ten years now, and it’s a partnership that means a lot to us here at Reaseheath. Craig Blount and I have watched so many veterans come through the programme and completely transform their confidence and skills. It’s hard not to feel proud when you see what they achieve next.”

“This new sponsorship gives the academy real stability, which is fantastic. It means we can keep doing what we know works – giving service leavers proper hands-on training, a supportive environment, and a clear route into the industry. It’s good for them, good for the sector, and fantastic for Reaseheath. We’re very proud to be part of it.”

Creating Skilled People, Positive Social Value and Stronger Futures

For the sector, this partnership signals a shared belief in:

• The value of Service Leavers as a skilled workforce,
• The importance of social mobility, and
• Collaborative approaches to developing talent pipelines.

For the learners, it represents stability, recognition, and opportunity at a critical point of transition.

As the first academic year under this sponsorship is underway, the academy will continue to:

• Deliver accredited construction multi-skills training,
• Facilitate site visits and employer engagement,
• Provide mentorship and support individuals into long-term employment and civilian confidence.

Building Heroes looks forward to working closely with the Worshipful Company of Constructors throughout this period to showcase talent, support the next generation, and demonstrate how deeply meaningful second careers begin with access, support and belief.

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